Gravel pit applications tabled

December 02, 2005|MELISSA JACKSON Tribune Staff Writer

NILES -- If Moose Lake Aggregates wants to expand its mining operation on Barron Lake Road, it will have to withdraw and resubmit its permit applications to the Howard Township Planning Commission. In a letter to the gravel pit's legal counsel, Howard Township's attorney Mowitt Drew addressed two procedural issues raised by opponents of the expansion. First, Moose Lake did not submit topographical maps with its three conditional use permit applications, as required by the township's zoning ordinance. The maps were received after the first public hearing took place. Second, supplemental material, including photographs and information regarding the property, was submitted directly to board members. According to the letter, such material needs to be submitted to the zoning administrator or be introduced during a public hearing in order to be considered. At Moose Lake's request, the commission tabled action on the applications on Thursday. The gravel pit must formally withdraw its applications and then resubmit them in order to be considered for approval. It can do so at the commission's next meeting, which is at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2. The two public hearings already held regarding the permits will need to be conducted again. Larry Eckler, a neighboring farmer who opposes the expansions, asked whether the issue would move before the Howard Township Board of Trustees, who had expressed interest in handling the proceedings. Zoning Administrator Carol Swanstrom said at this point she couldn't say. Moose Lake is seeking to mine an 18-acre site along its northern border and two adjacent southern sites, which cover 3.48 acres and 9.34 acres. Staff writer Melissa Jackson: mwest@sbtinfo.com (269) 687-7003